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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: ejg593 on March 25, 2009, 01:37:04 PM
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I have come across a family heirloom that is an old porcelain humidor. I am trying to research it on-line, but haven't had any luck. I did come across a thread posted here in 1997 by a gentleman with the exact same item, he asked any info to be emailed to him- so nothing was on here as a follow up. I tried emailing him, but that address no longer works.
Anyway, the item is a box 12"x12"x15" & extremely heavy. It is covered in large, white porcelain tiles. The edges, hinges, & latch are metal with the door opening on the front. There is a manufacturer tag above the door that reads:
Porcelain Cigar Case
Patented July 11 1899, June 16 1900, June 24 1902
Made by the Wilke MFG CO
Anderson, IND
Again- I can't find information on this item or the company on-line. Thanks for any help you can give me.
-Eric
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Pictures would certainly help.
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I would like to see a picture. but will pass on the info I have. they were and ice box manufactureing co. working from 1897 to at least 1905.
Oddly enough there ice box's were also a adorned in heavy tiles.
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As you can see, it's rather small- 12inches x 12 inches x 14inches deep. The interior space is even smaller. I didn't measure the interior, but you can get the idea by the opening & the thickness of the door. The box weighs 50lbs. I haven't done anything to it yet, although am planning on cleaning it up. Right now I'm just in the research stage of the project. Again, thanks for any info.
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Wow....that is for some kind of serious cigar protection! The Fort Knox of humidors! Ha! I have NEVER seen one like this before!!!! I bow to the others for information!
Okay...my thoughts would be that this was used to travel with!!
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Too Heavy to travel with.it also came with a stand. look's to be a one box unit but may have fit two. I would suggest a $450.00 Dollar value.
I suggest it was designed. to advertise there ice box's of which were designed in the same manner.
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The bottom is not covered in tile & just sort of plain & ugly. The post I found on here from the guy who had one of these cases said his was on legs; which collaborates your story. I also wouldn't think this was a travel case- I've lugged this thing around & it's not easy. It's too heavy & awkward to carry. It doesn't have handles or wheels or anything to make it convenient for packing. Unless it was mounted in a rail car or the back of a limo or something.
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Very cool item! I would think it would easily be worth $450. Except for it's size, I would have almost guessed it was commercial in nature.